New to RVing

Ok so one thing that put me off recently was I asked the salesman if it was possible to take a couple different makes/lengths of C's for a test drive. At which he said no they don't allow test drives. I thought this was odd being a car buyer all my life.

I have always taken a test drive and 1 out of a dozen vehicle purchases have I declined that vehicle.

Am I expecting too much?

Generally you should be able to purchase a new RV for 20-25% below MSRP.

Huron,

Take what Wandering wrote to heart.

Yes, a new unit will come with a warranty, but the value of the warranty is very dependent on both the dealer and the manufacturer. Please read this site extensively on that matter. Ask friends that have what you are considering. Don't have such a friend? That is what this site is all about....

Buying used has a HUGE price advantage. But, if the unit was not well cared for, free might be too much.

With ANY RV, if you can find any evidence of water leakage, leave it alone. Anything with square corners is "stick and staple" construction and even a "small" rain leak for a "short" period can prove fatal.

Matt

Not quite sure? Rent a C for a week. Go somewhere. Both of you do some driving...Interstate, 2 lane state highway, country roads, a little good dirt. Use all the systems. Then you'll know 100%.

Welcome to the club.

Yes you can talk them down just like a car dealership they have a wholesale price and a retail price.

Trust is a key thing when you buy anything. If you don't trust them then I would go somewhere else to find someone that you trust.

Some used RVs come with a warranty and new come with a warranty.

The Wife and I have a travel trailer and have been knocking around the idea of going to a class C next.

Start by researching similar units on the web. RV Trader and RVT have thousands of units listed and many of the dealers have their policies listed as well.
Dealers are much like a used car lot, yes some are shady, Ask when you start negotiating for all their fees and add ons before negotiating any further. Some will offer a great deal, and then tack on $399 for documentation, $1500 or more for prep, and then want another couple hundred for your walk through session to familarize you with the unit. If they have all these fees keep those cost in mind as you determine price.
On a used unit remember that on a private sale, those cost are gone.
If you do decide to go with a dealer, find a location which is locally owned and has been there long term, the need in the future for problem resolution and ability to actually get to the owner is valuable.
Enjoy the journey.